Need advice on drywall repair before I paint

Took out an old home security system that left a couple of holes behind. I have never repaired drywall before if you couldnt tell. I used the prof. spackle with mesh drywall tape. I'm I suppose to paint primer over it first before I use paint? Also, is the mesh suppose to be visible like this or did I sand it too much? Thanks

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Big mistake using mesh tape, should have used paper.
You've sanded way to much off, and used to narrow a drywall knife to apply the mud.
Should have been about an 8" or wider thin coat with an wider knife.
The screws only needed drywall compound not tape.

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Agree with all comments, and know you should not see the mesh with a finished patch. As suggested, you need a nice wide mud knife to even things out---you are not using one wide enough for you next passes. It looks like you will be fine with a coat or two more of....

I wish there were a way to standardize what people mean when they say spackle. I think of it is the overpriced, foamy stuff that comes in tiny containers for an outrageous amount of money. Others have corrected me with assurances some of the new vinyl spackling is nice for larger repairs. I used either drywall mud or actual plaster repair material.

Anyhow, once done with whatever you are using, you will need to spot prime and then paint.

I assume this security system was in a closet? Do not go too anal rentitive on this repair and save it for the next in the middle of the room? Not saying you should not make it as nice as you can. And a closet is a great place to learn this.

Have no idea what prof. spackle is but for your topcoat at the box stores you can get a small tub of green lid DRYWALL COMPOUND this should be enough for this small patch.

Just curious, why would you choose green over blue lid for your finish/top coat?

I'm not a pro, but between forums and being on the field I've seen/read so many combos used.

The latest I've seen was when using mesh tape on joints and tape on ceilings/corners, since the green lid has glue, your first coat use the green lid mixed with some water straight from the bucket, then the next two coats use either hot mud or a mix of green with plaster (red or green bag) I've seen this used a few times and haven't seen any cracks, yet.

Haha Im glad I didn't go through with painting and trusted my gut feelings. Whats the difference between drywall mud and the spackle compound?

When would one use the mesh tape compared to the paper tape for drywall?

Well the main security unit was located in the closet but the hole is much bigger.

The picture is the stuff I have been using.

Spackle is for small repairs like nail holes and small dents. It has a reputation of shrinking when using for bigger repairs. Drywall mud is made for almost anything from constructing new wall to repairing old ones.
The best time to use mesh tape is absolutely, positively, under no circumstances should mesh tape ever be used. It should be illegal to even sell that crap.
You need to use joint compound I can almost guarantee that stuff will crack.

Just curious, why would you choose green over blue lid for your finish/top coat?

I'm not a pro, but between forums and being on the field I've seen/read so many combos used.

The latest I've seen was when using mesh tape on joints and tape on ceilings/corners, since the green lid has glue, your first coat use the green lid mixed with some water straight from the bucket, then the next two coats use either hot mud or a mix of green with plaster (red or green bag) I've seen this used a few times and haven't seen any cracks, yet.

In this instance the green because it is a small area and the green lid is all I have seen in the little tubs. A 5 gallon bucket would be overkill.

Rather than putting tape over your screws, countersink your screws slightly into the drywall, then cover with compound.

I took the screws out already. I watched a youtube video for drywall repair and they recommend meshtape for added strength. I think Im going to remove the spackle and the mesh and just start over. Thanks for the advice guys.

I took the screws out already. I watched a youtube video for drywall repair and they recommend meshtape for added strength. I think Im going to remove the spackle and the mesh and just start over. Thanks for the advice guys.